The Lost Explorer Madre Cuixe Mezcal (75cl, 45%)

The Lost Explorer Madre Cuixe is an artisanal joven mezcal made in Oaxaca from wild Madre Cuixe agave, Agave karwinskii. It is a small-batch release from maestro mezcalero Fortino Ramos and is bottled at 45%. The agave is roasted slowly in an earth pit and the spirit is distilled in copper pots. Madre Cuixe is a tall, wild agave that takes twelve to fifteen years to mature. The nose offers earthy minerality, cooked agave, light wood smoke, dried herbs and subtle florals. On the palate there is rich roasted agave, wet clay and black pepper with a hint of tropical fruit. The finish is medium to long, with smoke, mineral notes and gentle spice.